Wolff Peace – Richard Hooker & Dorothy Day

A new series on political philosophy, power, and the pursuit of peace.

In this opening episode of the Wolff Peace series, host Avis Kalfsbeek introduces the legacy of political philosopher Robert Paul Wolff and his influential book Political Man and Social Man. Each episode in this special series pairs a classic thinker from Wolff’s anthology with a modern or historical peacemaker, exploring how ideas about law, authority, and society shape the world we live in—and the peace we hope to build.

We begin with Richard Hooker, a 16th-century Anglican theologian who argued that true political authority must be rooted in reason, consent, and the shared moral order of the community. His vision of peace arises not from force, but from lawful agreement shaped by collective participation.

To balance and expand Hooker’s view, Avis pairs him with Dorothy Day—co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement and a living embodiment of radical hospitality. Day didn’t argue for peace in the abstract—she fed, housed, and cared for those most in need, demonstrating that love in action is the foundation of community and resistance.

This episode includes:

• An introduction to the Wolff Peace series and its mission
• A short profile of Richard Hooker’s theory of law and reason
• A peace pairing with Dorothy Day and her radical ethic of hospitality
• Two reflection questions to take with you into your own life

Visit aviskalfsbeek.com to learn more about the podcast, books, and upcoming episodes in the Wolff Peace series.

Music: Dalai Llama Rides a Bike by Javier “Peke” Rodriguez. Bandcamp: https://javierpekerodriguez.bandcamp.com/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3QuyqfXEKzrpUl6b12I3KW

Robert Paul Wolff’s book Political Man and Social Man on Amazon (I am not an affiliate)